HAWKINS: I’m excited that Imagine Dragons (in case you haven’t heard, they’re joining our February 5thBringing Human Rights Home Concert at Barclays Center in Brooklyn), have been nominated for two Grammys – for Record of the Year and Best Rock Performance. Their performance with us next month will be dedicated to the cause of inspiring a generation of young people who care about human rights to use their power to improve lives around the world. I’d like to publicly cast my vote for Imagine Dragons! Good luck, Dan, Wayne, Ben and Daniel!

Growing up with a Quaker education always led me towards social justice, but it was music that opened the door to Amnesty for me. I’ve been an active member of Amnesty International USA and a volunteer leader for more than half my life and it all started at the Human Rights Now! Tour in Philly in 1988.

Having already been a huge Peter Gabriel and Genesis fan, I was absolutely not going to miss his performance and especially looked forward to his human rights anthem “Biko.” Adding to that, with Sting, Bruce Springsteen, Youssou N’Dour and Tracy Chapman – artists with a strong and ongoing commitment to human rights – the show was unlike anything I had ever seen.

I know the ability of music to move mountains. During my time as an activist in apartheid South Africa, singing together helped unite us in the streets, and helped demonstrate our power. Cries of “Amandla!” echoed through the townships and cities alike, and I knew I needed to join in. At the same time, protest songs rang across the world with powerful messages that amplified the voices of the anti-apartheid movement.

Today, Grammy Award-winning musician Esperanza Spalding released We Are America, a new song and music video supporting President Obama’s decision to close Guantanamo and urging Congress to help get the job done.

The video features cameos by Stevie Wonder, Janelle Monáe, Harry Belafonte and Savion Glover. The timing couldn’t be better as Senators will soon vote on legislation that would help close the detention facility. You can urge your two Senators to vote the right way here: www.amnestyusa.org/ndaa.

On February 14th, Amnesty will join with V-Day in the One Billion Risingcampaign to dance in solidarity with the estimated one billion women and girls who have experienced violence in their lifetime.

Violence against women is one of the world’s most pervasive human rights abuses. It is also one of the most hidden. Globally, one woman in three has been beaten, coerced into sex, or abused in her lifetime and yet, justice for these abuses is all too rare.

In the U.S., the Violence Against Women Act is a groundbreaking law that helps break the cycle of impunity for violence. Currently up for reauthorization in Congress, you can add your voice to ask for immediate action.